The MEGA Cavern, which was founded as a limestone mine in the 1930s, is now a favorite attraction for local and visiting families, nestled neatly under the Louisville Zoo. Year-round, visitors can experience the wonders of this 100-acre complex on an historic tour, or brave the underground zipline adventure (the only one of its kind in the world). But only once during the year is the MEGA Cavern transformed into a bright and festive winter wonderland for the annual “Lights under Louisville” extravaganza.

Beginning Saturday, November 16, and running through December 30, Lights under Louisville will offer families the opportunity to drive their own vehicles through more than a mile of illuminated features, including 800 lit and animated characters and 2,000,000 total points of light. The ride lasts an ideal time of 30 to 40 minutes and is the only underground show of its kind anywhere in the world. The “12 Days of Christmas” installation returns once again this year, and many new themed areas have been added to the route, like “Kentucky Christmas” and “Snowball Mania.”

Also new this year is the widened road, which enables motor coaches movement through the show, and the lowered cost of $4 per person (as always, tour operators and drivers can enter free of charge). Recent sponsors Canada Dry and Kroger are offering some special deals for the season. You can receive a $5 coupon when you purchase a two-liter bottle from any Canada Dry display at any Louisville Kroger location. As added incentive, the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group will donate $2 to the Dare to Care campaign for every coupon redeemed. The same deal is being offered at participating Wendy’s locations: buy a $5 Lights under Louisville coupon at a Wendy’s restaurant, and $2 will go towards the Dave Thomas Foundation.

The Lights under Louisville show runs from November 16, to December 30, 2012. It is open every night – on weeknights from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and weekend nights from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. – and the gift shop is open Monday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans are charged up to $25; large vans must pay $35; limos and church buses pay $50; and school buses are charged $75 each. Make sure to bring cash or checks! For more information, call (877) 614-MEGA, or visit the Lights under Louisville website.

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When I was seven and my brother was eight, we both wrote to 'Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?' for a free t-shirt. Two weeks later his arrived in the mail, signed by Carmen Sandiego herself, accompanied by an autographed picture of the cast, an official membership to the 'Gumshoe Club,' and a Rockapella casette tape. I got a postcard.